For Steve, who started me. For Miranda who guided me. For Angie, for all of the above and more -- especially for forever. And for everyone -- over the last 36 years -- who gave me Roni. Cover art by Jeff Sasek In loving memory of Donald K. Holmes (1931-2013) Smashwords Edition, License Notes This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. CHAPTER 1 Staring into the latrine mirror, Private First Class Scott Mitchell splashed water on his face and realized, “This is what I’ve become…fuck.”